Newsletter American Association of Teachers of German, Inc. Volume 49, Number 4, August 2014

In this Issue …

AATG’s 3-year STEM Initiative

Einschulung Then and Now

Delta Epsilon Phi Chapters in Action

KoPrA Seminar Leipzig

Investigating Klischee und Vorurteile

AATG’s New Advocacy Hub

Annual Meeting Grants

Get Ready for National German Week

Updates from ZfA and Goethe USA

News from Professional Partners

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Dear Colleagues,

I hope that you have had a very productive summer and that you were able to relax and enjoy

whatever you were doing and at the same time recharge for the new school/academic year.

This summer I was in Germany for three weeks visiting family and friends, and attending a seminar

with STEM experts in Leipzig. On my way to the meeting from Heidelberg, I saw a man on the

Autobahn who was trying to move his car to the shoulder of the three-lane highway. Everyone was

going at least 100 miles an hour, small and big trucks veering to the left to avoid the car. I slowed

down and stopped a few yards in front of the car, got out of my car and helped the poor guy push

his car to the right shoulder. He had run out of gas. He had no ADAC membership. I took him to the

next gas station. We got gas and went back to his car.

His name was Matthias and he was from Sachsen-

Anhalt, aus dem Land der Frühaufsteher. Before he got back into his car, he didn't

shake my hand and say: “Vielen Dank.” Instead, he gave me a thank-you hug. I didn’t

expect that a German man would hug a complete stranger. I call this "transatlantic

friendship on the Autobahn." I wish the fighting around the world would stop and

people would embrace instead of killing each other. They forget that arms are for

hugging.

Despite the political rift between the United States and Germany because of the

latest eavesdropping and espionage affair, both countries are connected by a strong friendship that has evolved through history.

They share common experiences, values and interests, and they depend on each other in many fields now more than ever. It

may be true that there are cracks on the fifth floor. However, the foundation of German-American relations stands on solid

ground, thanks to numerous exchange programs and vital cultural, educational, and scientific partnerships.

In late July, I had the honor and privilege to attend the International Expertenworkshop DaF für MINT-Fächer: Grundlagen und

curriculare Ansätze, which was organized by Erwin Tschirner of the Herder Institut at the University of Leipzig and Keith Cothrun,

AATG Executive Director. Thanks to the generous financial support of the Transatlantic Program of the German Government

with funds from the European Recovery Program (ERP) and the

Federal Ministry of Economy and Energy, a group of some 35

experts from Germany, the United States, and Switzerland

gathered in Leipzig to build a new and important transatlantic

bridge on the importance of including MINT/ STEM subject areas

in the teaching of German.

The acute shortage of skilled workers in the STEM subjects both

here and on the other side of the Atlantic is lamented not only

by employers in the industry, but also universities, politicians,

and security experts. Today we find that most economic and

industrial sectors need professionals with STEM skills. However,

knowledge in the social sciences and humanities, especially

when it comes to intercultural competences, is indispensable. I see no contradiction in covering Goethe and chemistry or

physics, the Brothers Grimm and astronomy, Marie Luise Kaschnitz and environmental science, Kafka and our digitally

networked world (think of the modern surveillance systems) in the same curriculum.

In the summers of 2015 and 2016, the AATG will offer its members two professional development seminars focused on MINT/

STEM. You will hear more about these seminars in the upcoming months. Keith and I will be reporting about the results of the

above-mentioned Expertenworkshop at ACTFL in November and at various regional conferences in 2015.

While in Leipzig, Keith and I also met up with a group of very dynamic German teachers and graduate students who were taking

part in our seminar KoPrA: Kompetenzentwicklung der Kommunikationsstrategien, Präsentationstechniken und

Aussprachetraining: Deutsch als Fremdsprache in Theorie und Praxis. It was refreshing to see so many new and young teachers

from around the United States participating in this four-week immersion seminar at the Herder-Institut at the University of

Leipzig, which focused on developing proficiencies to meet Advanced Low teacher certification proficiency requirements.

A Word from the President

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Nominations for AATG Honorary Members and Fellows

Help AATG acknowledge outstanding achievement by nominating a distinguished scholar to be an Honorary Member or Honorary Fellow, AATG's highest recognition.

Honorary Members are distinguished Germanists or specialists in second language acquisition with a focus on Deutsch als Fremdsprache. They are recognized scholars of international stature who have contributed to the advancement of Germanic studies in the fields of literary studies, literary criticism, linguistics, second language acquisition, or pedagogy.

Honorary Fellows are distinguished men and women of letters. Distinguished men and women

of letters is to be interpreted in a broad sense. They may be distinguished scholars or

professionals in German studies fields outside language and literature; or they may be creative

writers or essayists.

Active AATG members may nominate persons to the committee chair. Nominations should be submitted directly to me in the form of a formal letter of reasons for the nomination, demonstrate support by ten fellow AATG members, and include the nominee's CV and other biographical information (including the place and date of birth, educational background, professional career, honors, prizes, and memberships, and publications). The selection committee would be happy to consider distinguished members working in K-12 education.

Please submit nominations by September 1, 2014 to the Honorary Members/Fellows Committee Chair Peter Pfeiffer

pfeiffep@georgetown.edu, German Department, ICC 467, Georgetown University, Washington DC 20057.

I am looking forward to meeting many of you at one of the workshops I will be giving in the next few months in Utah, North

Carolina, Nebraska, California, Ohio, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Fundraising events are planned for the fall in

Illinois, Florida, and at ACTFL in San Antonio and for early next year in Massachusetts. We will be raising money for the Friends

of AATG Endowment Fund, which must be built up to allow us to draw on the dividends to support professional development

of all teachers, but especially those who are new to the profession or are graduate students or in a teacher education

program. I invite you to attend these events if you can or make a generous contribution to the fund. Please get in touch with

me or Helene Zimmer-Loew, Chair of the Fundraising Committee, if you would like to host a fundraising event in your area.

I urge you all to stay involved, renew your membership, and support your local AATG chapter by attending their events and/

or your state organization’s fall or spring conferences. Embrace a new colleague and build bridges for future partnerships with

the STEM colleagues in your school.

On behalf of the Executive Council, I would like to thank you for being a loyal and active AATG member. I wish you all a

successful and fun-filled new school/academic year.

Mit herzlichen Grüßen

Mohamed Esa

McDaniel College

Westminster, Maryland

mesa@mcdaniel.edu

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AATG Members share Einschulung photos

If you or someone you know started school in Germany, chances are they received a Schultüte. Students

entering first grade receive a Schültute on their first day of school. These decorated cones are filled to

the brim with candy, toys, and school supplies. They make that first day of school all the more special—

it’s a celebration of education. That first exciting day is well documented in precious family photos.

The tradition dates back to 1810, when the first Schultüten made children jump for joy in Thüringen and

Sachsen. On the first day of school in Germany, parents take their first-graders to school, where they are

welcomed in a celebration with songs, poems, and theater, and meet their teacher and classmates. The

new adventure has begun.

Astrid Klocke in Lemgo, Nordrhein-Westfalen

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Students of Dot Kemptner’s at Northview High School, Johns Creek, Georgia

Linda Horvath’s class at Charlotte Catholic High School, North Carolina

Wendy Schmidt’s son Albert in Salt Lake City, Utah

...and the tradition continues!

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AATG launches 3-year STEM Initiative

How can German teachers integrate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) content into the curriculum, and what curricular changes, instructional materials, and professional development is needed to support them?

This question drove the many presentations and discussions at the international Expertenworkshop Deutsch als Fremdsprache für MINT-Fächer: Grundlagen und curriculare Ansätze held at the Universität Leipzig from July 24 to 26. The workshop was the first phase of a three-year AATG STEM project supported by a grant from the Transatlantik-Programm der Bundesrepublik Deutschland through funds of the European Recovery Program (ERP) of the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie. Nearly 40 K-16 educators from Europe and the US with expertise in DaF (Deutsch als Fremdsprache) or MINT (Mathematik, Informatik, Naturwissenschaft und Technik) fields attended to the explore current status and to plan for future teacher training, professional development, and development of instructional materials. The workshop discussions also focused on curriculum design, assessment, strategies for developing language for professional purposes, educational policy, and K-16 articulation.

The conference, sponsored by AATG, the Herder-Institut at the Universität Leipzig, and the Institut für Testforschung und

Testentwicklung in Leipzig, was designed around eight plenaries. Plenary speakers included Glenn Levine, University of

California at Irvine, Eine Brücke zur anderen Seite der Uni: Zum Verständnis der Didaktik im Ingenieurwesen und deren

Implikationen für den DaF-Unterricht; Helmut Linneweber-Lammerskitten, Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz / Pädagogische

Hochschule, Lernmaterial- und Unterrichtskonzepte zur sprachlichen Aus- und Weiterbildung in MINT-Fächern dargestellt am

Beispiel der Mathematik; Helga Fasciano, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Bildungspolitik, Vernetzung und

Internationalisierung; Charlotte Melin, University of Minnesota, K-16 Articulation und Deutsch für MINT-Fächer: Warum Alles mit

Allem verbunden sein muss; Johanna Watzinger-Tharp, University of Utah, Lehrerbildung für den integrierten Fach- und

Sprachunterricht in immersiven Schulprogrammen in Utah; Ines Busch-Lauer, Westsächsische Hochschule Zwickau, Deutsch-als-

Fachsprache im MINT-Bereich – Merkmale, Erfahrungen und Herausforderungen; Thomas Studer, Universität Fribourg, Schweiz,

Zum Verhältnis von Sprache und Fach bei der Leistungsbeurteilung im fremdsprachlichen Sachfachunterricht; and Erwin

Tschirner, Universität Leipzig; Lehren und Lernen in MINT-Fächern im Spannungsfeld zwischen Bildungssprache, Fachwissen und

Fremdsprachenerwerb.

Additional participants from the US

included Keith Cothrun, AATG; Ray

Clifford, Brigham Young University, UT;

Eck Doerry, Northern Arizona

University; Mohamed Esa, McDaniel

College, MD; William Fischer, Portland

State University, OR; Katja Fullard,

Goethe-Institut Chicago; Katrina Griffin,

Anne Arundel County Public Schools,

MD; Ninja Nagel, Barrington High

School, IL; Siggi Piwek, Milwaukee German Immersion School, WI; and Damon Rarick, University of Rhode Island.

AATG member Johanna Watzinger-Tharp, Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics and German at the University of Utah,

believes the opportunity to collaborate with experts, scholars, and educators in the STEM fields is critical for German educators.

There are far-reaching benefits to students when teachers incorporate STEM into German. According to Watzinger-Tharp, “If

the two are integrated, that is an ideal scenario because it teaches lessons that go beyond the classroom.”

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DaF für MINT-Fächer Expertenworkshop

Ninja Nagel, from Barrington High School in Illinois, echoed the global, long-

term importance of STEM content to students’ language education.

Integrating STEM content allows teachers “to bridge the gap into the modern

economic world,” said Nagel. “Using STEM topics in language classes can

simultaneously engage students, help them maintain their language, and

provide opportunities to acquire technical skills and knowledge that will be

part of their future lives.”

A common pedagogical thread The workshop’s collaborative atmosphere created an opportunity for STEM

and German educators from Europe and the US to compare their pedagogical

goals. Watzinger-Tharp was happy to discover that standards-and

competency-based instruction spans the continents, and that STEM experts

have parallel pedagogical goals. “There is a lot of correlation and overlap in the way the MINT subjects are taught and the way

we teach German—and how we think about student learning,” reported Watzinger-Tharp, “The workshop was reinforcement

that we’re all talking the same language.”

Such collaborations not only lead to enrichment of student learning, but can also strengthen the presence of the entire German

program. “Working with colleagues across the curriculum is becoming increasingly important,” Watzinger-Tharp said. “We

German teachers can make ourselves part of the core curriculum by reaching out and forging these connections.”

Time to get started Collaboration across the curriculum allows instructors to find creative ways to include STEM instruction into even early beginner

-level classes. Nagel was especially interested in K-16 articulation, and found support in her belief that STEM integration should

not start in college. “It needs to be infused throughout,” according to Nagel.

For teachers who are daunted by the prospect of incorporating STEM into the language classroom, Nagel emphasized that it is

not as difficult as it may seem. “We don’t have to become content experts, but we do have to become sharers of information. I

believe that it is doable every single day for every single lesson.”

How can German teachers start to integrate STEM in the beginner classroom? “Always keep your students in mind,” Nagel said.

“If you’re teaching a class of beginners, your goal is not for the class to disassemble an entire engine in German. Bottom line: it

always comes down to who are you teaching, and where you want to take them.” Nagel suggests integrating math into a unit on

how students get to school by calculating the distance to school, or incorporating environmental studies by discussing the

environmental impact of driving a car to school versus taking the bus, riding a bike, or walking.

Teachers can begin by taking small steps to integrate STEM topics into the German

curriculum. Watzinger-Tharp points to the AP German curriculum as an example, which

has science and technology as one of the six themes. Her advice for teachers is to “take

the modules you already use and infuse them with more STEM content. Think about ways

that you are already doing it and may not even realize it—and expand that a little bit.”

Above all, teachers should feel empowered to include more STEM content in their

curriculum, even if they start small. “There are a lot of resources out there. The discourse

in the MINT subjects is very similar,” Watzinger-Tharp said. “Don’t be afraid to tackle

MINT in the foreign language.”

In the next phase in this project, three-week long seminars will be offered for AATG

members in Leipzig in 2015 and 2016, with a focus on teaching strategies and the

development of instructional materials for DaF-MINT.

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DISCOVER GREAT PROFESSIONAL

RESOURCES AT AATG ONLINE

Introducing AATG’s NEW Advocacy Hub

Advocating for German, promoting the many advantages that learning German

brings to students, and highlighting the benefits that your German program brings

to your school, community—and indeed the US—is one of the most important

things you do, and AATG wants to help. The new Advocacy Hub at AATG Online

provides you with strategies, up-to-date information, recent research, tips, and

other resources to promote the study of the German-speaking world in all its

linguistic, cultural, and ethnic diversity.

In the Advocacy Hub, a rich variety of materials have been organized under

German is a Critical Language, Advocacy 101: Getting Started, Promoting German,

German Success Stories, German in the US, and International Education and Study

Abroad. You’ll find a concise description for each resource and a link to the

material. Each item has also been annotated with icons indicating a focus on K-12

or College/University as well as content focusing on Data and Statistics, Cognitive

Benefits, Economic Advantages, and Cultural Connections. Additional icons

indicate format, such as video, PDF, Web link, or PowerPoint presentation.

German is a Critical Language

Information, statistics, and

promotional materials that

illustrate the global importance of

German-speaking nations and

German.

Advocacy 101: Getting Started

Not sure where to start? Check

out these essential strategies and

best practices for advocating for

German at all levels.

German in the US

Enrollment statistics, strategy

papers, government and national

organization publications on the

current status of German language

and culture teaching and learning

in the US.

International Education and

Study Abroad

Resources substantiating the

value of study abroad and

international education. Features

resources for exchanges and study

trips.

Promoting German

Tips, information, and materials

that support your promotion of

German, including sample letters

and press releases.

German Success Stories

Examples of high-quality

programs and popular events—

find inspiration and strategies for

your event and program here!

Start exploring the Advocacy Hub today!

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Students returning from the AATG Summer Study Program in

Germany this summer had a lot to report, but one thing is clear:

Time spent in Germany is a life-changing, enriching, motivating, and

tremendously fun experience!

The participants, high school students from around the US, learned

at course sites throughout Germany. The student groups,

accompanied by an AATG chaperone, were hosted by a German

course director, a teacher at the local Gymnasium, who had

planned a fun, educational experience for their three-week stay.

For Nick Swope from

Harleysville, PA, who

traveled to Wiesbaden, it was the best three weeks of his life, and Paul

Neumann from Elgin, IL, who traveled to Brandenburg an der Havel, said it

helped him to decide that he wants to continue his studies at a German

university.

There are many things to love

about studying abroad in

Germany with the AATG Summer

Study Program.

Madison Rench from Copley, OH

traveled to Beilngries and made a

“life-long connection” with her host family, while Jeff Rusboldt from

Michigan City, IN, who went to Markkleeberg, said he loved the

opportunity to have free time with a flexible, not-too-strict schedule.

Chaperone a group or send your

students to Germany in Summer 2015!

2015 Details

The 3-week homestay programs take place at Gymnasien throughout Germany in June and July

Course sites for 2015 will include Passau, Wiesbaden, and Bad Reichenhall

Need-based scholarships available!

2014 Summer Study Program provides "Trip of a Lifetime"

Ramsha Shams from Florence, SC with her host

family in Brandenburg an der Havel.

Students at the course in Beilngries enjoy a

boat ride before visiting the Walhalla memorial

in Regensburg.

Students studying in Braunschweig in front of the

Brandenburger Gate in Berlin.

Find out more about the German Summer

Study Program on the AATG Website

Or contact

Program Coordinator

April Hemphill

856-795-5553

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Delta Epsilon Phi National German Honor Society

Delta Epsilon

Phi (ΔΕΦ)

National Honor

Society for High

School Students of German

recognizes the outstanding

academic achievement of

learners of German.

The organization was founded in

1968 by Käthe Wilson at Coral

Gables High School (FL), a

devoted AATG member, to

reward scholastic achievement in

the study of German and to

promote interest in the study of

German language, literature, and

civilization.

Delta Epsilon Phi chapters may be

established in accredited public

and private senior high schools.

To be eligible for induction,

students must have completed

three semesters of German with a

3.6 grade point average in

German and have an overall

grade point average of 3.0 on a

4.0 scale.

About Delta

Epsilon Phi

Members of the German Honor

Society at Timber Creek High

School are actively involved in

the school and community.

The club's "Kuckucksuhr" float,

designed and created by the

club president, Rachel Staley,

was a huge success at the

school's annual Homecoming

Parade.

The presence of students

learning German became

widely known throughout the

neighboring community when the group represented Timber Creek's German Club

at the local Avalon Park two-day Oktoberfest Festival. Honor Society students

participated in the German American Society of Central Florida's parade and

manned a booth selling

Adventskalender and

German candies and

offering complimentary,

temporary German tattoos

to the children.

Members of the TCHS

German Honor Society excel

in the annual Florida

Association of Students of

German state competition

as well as in the AATG

National German Exam. By

providing community service to both their community and school, Timber Creek

German students help to promote the study of German language and culture and

have a fun time doing it.

—Christine Guildner, Chapter Sponsor

Timber Creek's Kucksuhr float at the annual Homecoming Parade

TCHS students shine at the Avalon Park Community Oktoberfest

Spotlight on Florida

Gamma Omega chapter in Orlando takes their events to the community

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Chapters report great success in 2013-14

Learn more about Delta Epsilon Phi and the National Honor Societies for junior high/middle school and community college students on the AATG Website

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Membership is booming in these

ΔΕΦ chapters!

31 new members! Overseas Lambda at Wiesbaden

High School in Wiesbaden, Germany Sponsor: Roswitha Timbrell

21 new members! Illinois Epsilon Lambda at East

Aurora High School in Aurora, IL Sponsor: Laura Barracca

78 current members! Kentucky Xi at Paul Laurence

Dunbar High School in Lexington, KY Sponsor: Wesley Phelps

Members at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School tested their soccer skills against

the Spanish Honor Society

East Aurora High School chapter members celebrate Homecoming

Dieses Jahr haben wir

viel Erfolg gehabt. Wir

haben 8 neue

Mitglieder im April

bekommen. Wir

haben viele

Aktivitäten gemacht.

Im Sommer hatten die

Mitglieder die

Möglichkeit,

Papiertüten für Song

und Spirit Ministries

zu dekorieren. Diese Organisation macht Snack-Packs

für arme Kinder in Detroit und braucht schöne Tüten

dafür. Die Mitglieder konnten mir auch eine Postkarte

schicken, die ihre Sommerferien beschreibt.

Im Oktober haben wir Oktoberfest gefeiert. Wir haben

gespielt und Lebkuchenherzen dekoriert. Im

November machten wir Apfelstrudel und sammelten

Kaffee für St. Christines Food Panty. Wir haben in der

Weihnachtszeit auch Lebkuchenhäuser gebastelt und

eine Party mit der französischen Ehrenverbindung

gefeiert.

—Jill Shopinski, Chapter Sponsor

Marian High School Schülerinnen backen traditionelles Gebäck in Bloomfield Hills, MI

Ein (Lebkuchen)Herz für Deutsch!

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Chapters give back in their communities

Community Involvement

Chapter: Pennsylvania Alpha Psi, 32 Members

School: Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School

Sponsor: Lissy L. Weirich

Members went German Christmas caroling to a local

nursing home. They also did volunteer work with

Operation Wildcat by sorting clothing and materials, which

were then given to the needy within the school district.

Throughout the year, our Honor Society Chapter

met multiple times and participated in community

service activities.

We started off the year with a

chocolate tasting social. We sampled

many flavors of German chocolate

and made guesses as to which

flavors matched each chocolate

sample. Additionally, we colored

pictures for children at the local

hospital at this meeting. Our

pictures were sent to these children and hung

outside their doors for seasonal decorations.

During several meetings, we completed tasks, such

as folding and sorting newspapers to be sent to a

local animal rescue and shelter and used as bedding

in the animals’ cages, making dog toys out of fleece

to be sent to this same shelter, and coloring more

pictures for the children at the hospital

according to the season.

Later in the year, we were invited to

perform at a retirement home for a Texan

German Society. Students performed their

musical and poetry acts for the residents

and displayed the crafts and other art

projects that were taken to competition.

The year wrapped up with the induction of many

new eligible students into our honor society.

—Heidi Sunder Kirby, Chapter Sponsor

Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, TX prioritizes service

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This year, the German program at the Alabama School of

Math and Science hosted several German movies for the

entire student body, showing Young Goethe in Love,

Jenseits der Stille, Vitus, Joyeux Noel, and Das Wunder

von Bern. The movies were shown in the German with

English subtitles.

At the beginning of every year, the German instructor,

Muriel Hoequist, hosts a German games afternoon at her

house. There

German

students from

all classes speak

only German

while enjoying

authentic

German games

and dinner. For

every English

word spoken,

ten cents is

donated by the student towards funds for the next event,

making this a very immersive experience for beginning

and advanced students alike.

In the fall semester, the Honor Society celebrated

National German Week and hosted a German cafe,

serving German food and drinks. This event was open to

all students, as long as

they were willing to

order their food and

drink in German. The

German students helped

prepare and serve the

food, as well as wait on

tables and help the

participants with ordering in German from a German

menu they had made. There was also an outdoor event in

which students learned several German folk songs and

dances.

In the winter semester, the Honor Society hosted an

event in which students made authentic German

gingerbread. Weeks later, they held another event in

which students could decorate the gingerbread. The

decorated gingerbread was sold, and the money went

towards next year's funds as well as investments in the

equipment used to make the gingerbread including a new

mixer.

This year, students also held a fair trade chocolate sale for

Valentine’s day to highlight that many companies in

Germany now actively emphasize social justice and social

responsibility in their advertising.

Additionally, the

German and French

Honor Societies

combined to host the

inductions into the

societies, as well as

give awards to

students. New

inductees showcased

their German talents

by reciting poetry or putting on a performance. Seniors

active in the honor society were presented with

graduation cords, and a dinner was held afterwards for

the two Honor Societies and the families of the students.

—Muriel Hoequist, Chapter Sponsor

Spotlight on Alabama

Members at Alabama School of Math and Science in Mobile bring German language and culture to the entire school

Students celebrate National German Week with folk songs and dance .

Students display the foods they prepared and

served during National German Week. Graduates Mallory Burch and Skyler Penton

with their teacher Muriel Hoequist.

Honor Society members teach folk dances.

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Honor Society Members promote German

Excellence in the German Honor Society

Honor Society Students tutored German

1 and 2 students and helped decorate

the German classroom and prepare for

the first week of school.

Chapter: Virginia Zeta, 9 Members School: Woodside

High School in Newport News

Sponsor: Peggy R. Sommermeyer

Students hosted the school’s Prom Fashion

Show to promote the German Program and

school spirit. They earned funds for their

induction ceremony and for new German

Honor Society shirts.

Chapter: Illinois Epsilon Lambda, 37 Members School: East

Aurora High School Sponsor: Laura Barracca

Members attended Exploration

Night for the 8th graders to

promote German classes. They

also made posters promoting

German for Foreign Language Week.

Chapter: Illinois Beta Omicron,

School: Plainfield East High School

Sponsor: Peggy Francik

The Chapter conducted a one-day

“Kiss Me – I’m German” Campaign. Students

taught non-German speakers a phrase and when

it was said correctly to the chapter advisor, they

were rewarded with a Hershey Kiss.

Chapter: Pennsylvania Alpha Psi, 32 Members

School: Mechanicsburg Area Senior HS

Sponsor: Lissy L. Weirich

Honor Society Members at Timber Creek High

School in Orlando, FL participated and excelled in

the annual Florida Association of Students of

German state competition.

Kansas Psi and Kansas Omega

members at Olathe North and

East High Schools in Olathe, KS

traveled to the University of Kansas to

participate in the annual Schülerkongress,

the Kansas State German Competition.

Many won ribbons for their performance

in poetry, prose, spelling, culture quiz,

video and poster contests.

16

Intensive language experience and cultural immersion inspire

Seventeen AATG members returned recently after four weeks in an immersion

experience in Leipzig. They were selected to participate in the special summer

seminar KoPrA: Kompetenzentwicklung der Kommunikationsstrategien,

Präsentationstechniken und Aussprachetraining: Deutsch als Fremdsprache in

Theorie und Praxis. Organized by AATG’s longtime partner, interDaF at the Herder-

Institut at the University of Leipzig, the KoPrA seminar was designed for K-16

teachers and pre-service teachers, with a focus on developing proficiencies to meet

Advanced Low teacher certification requirements. Participants explored the development of language proficiencies,

communication strategies, and presentation techniques. Performance measurement, evaluation of oral skills, and

methodology for teaching German as a foreign language were other important components of the seminar, along

with intercultural interaction and knowledge of daily life in Germany.

Participants got to know one another, the residents of Leipzig, and Leipzig itself by exploring neighborhoods, talking

with locals, observing daily life, and experiencing the area. Participants shared their discoveries in presentations to

the group. The focus of the program was communication, whether through

casual conversation on the street, interviews, or role playing and games.

The program included a number of group or partner projects and activities.

Discussions included ideas for how to successfully implement group work in

classrooms: how to coordinate multiple schedules, how to ensure each member

contributes, how to accommodate ideas from all members, and how to encourage presentations tailored to the

skills of the group members.

Phonetic training was another emphasis of the seminar, in both a teacher and

student context. Participants had the opportunity to perfect their pronunciation

skills with a phonetic instructor. They also learned playful phonetic techniques to

use with students to target specific trouble spots.

The seminar also focused on using

podcasts in the classroom. After

learning about podcasts, and how to

make and edit sound recordings using Audacity, participants found

podcasts online and reviewed them. They then created their own podcasts.

Teachers worked through this process step-by-step, starting by writing

scripts, recording their own voices, and then editing the recordings for

future use in the classroom.

Presentations also focused on the Common European Framework of

Reference for Language (CEFR) and familiarized participants with the A1,

A2, B1, B2 and C1 levels. KoPrA participants reviewed sample assignments

I learned that I can push my students a lot further in the allotted time. My students can use sample activities from the CEFR to measure

their proficiency. I intend to imbed this into my classroom teaching to measure my students in a meaningful way. —Melinda Zeliff

During our small group phonetic

training, guest workshops, conversation

practice, or even group work, the focus

was always on communication

strategies, presentation techniques,

and phonetic training. Learning a new

concept and immediately finding a way

to incorporate it helped strengthen my

skills of adapting material for the

classroom. —Kelly Aspeslet

The KoPrA course with interDaF at the

Herder-Institut of the University of

Leipzig offered us exemplary

instruction, ideas and materials that

we can immediately apply in our

classrooms. —Madeline Salonen

17

AATG Summer Seminar 2014

and sample audio recordings, then categorized resources by proficiency

level. Participants also evaluated textbooks and assessments used at

interDaF.

The American teachers also visited other classes to observe how

German as a foreign language is taught in a heterogeneous group. After

the classroom observations, the InterDaF instructors met with the

KoPrA participants to discuss insights and reflections.

During the final week of the seminar, KoPrA participants presented the

results of their group work on topics ranging from Religion from the

DDR to the Present, Women in Leipzig, Architecture, and Youth Culture

in Leipzig.

Social and cultural events were also an important component of the

seminar. Participants enjoyed lunch at the famous Auerbachs Keller,

a theater production of Amphitryon, and open air concerts by the

Gewandhaus Orchestra. Participants toured the Zeitgeschichtliches

Forum and developed lessons that focused on the museum’s

exhibits. Day trips included a visit to Quedlinburg and the Harz

Mountains and an excursion to Pillnitz and Dresden.

Another special event was a dinner and talent show held at the Moritz Bastei with nearly 300 interDaF students and

teachers from around the world. At an informal potluck grill party in a park one

evening, AATG President Mohamed Esa and Executive Director Keith Cothrun met

with participants and learned about their experiences. They reported that the

seminar in Leipzig was well organized, provided personalized instruction, and a

wonderful professional development experience.

The KoPrA seminar is supported by a grant from the Transatlantik-Programm der

Bundesrepublik Deutschland through funds of the European Recovery Program

(ERP) of the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie. The grant covers

accommodations including breakfast, all program costs and materials, as well as a

generous travel stipend. The KoPrA seminar will be offered again in summer 2015 and 2016. Look for details on

application in January.

I can't wait until the school year begins so that I

can implement the new ideas, methods, and

techniques that I learned about and experienced

first hand while participating in the KoPrA

program in Leipzig! One that I'd like to implement

with my upper levels is to use dice (or an app)

with pictures on them to guide students in

writing a story. — Beth Carafiol

I never would have imagined how wonderful this course was

going to be, both from a professional and a personal standpoint.

Participating in a conversational class, with help in presentation

techniques and pronunciation, was perfect for me. Along the

way, I have gained some lifelong friends and colleagues with

whom I can continue to grow. —Barbara Beautrow

Intensive language practice, instructional techniques, and

cultural immersion increased my language proficiency and

cultural competence and provided me with wonderful,

adaptable ideas for classroom instruction. The academic

component of the course was balanced with cultural

activities and excursions. —Nancy Hanson

Weltmeisterschaftstimmung!

18

Celebrate National German Week!

National German Week Poster

Celebrate German culture and German-American

heritage! Let everyone know about National German

Week, October 1–October 7. This colorful 12 x 18 inch

poster will help promote German on campus and in

the community.

$5.00

National German Week

Starter Kit

This great resource for National German

Week includes many ideas to promote

German, sample language for state and

city proclamations, a German-American

timeline, trivia questions, classroom

activities, and more. You also receive

promotional materials to kick off your

German Week celebration!

$15.00

Oma Annas Schatzkoffer:

Thematic Unit Stefanie discovers Oma Anna’s old

suitcase, which leads her to discover her

family’s history. This thematic unit

engages students in a wide variety of

learning experiences using language at the

Novice Low level. Contains a storybook,

lesson plans, a final project sample, and a

PowerPoint presentation (PDF on CD-

ROM). Also includes a poster of the immigration ship.

$12.00

National German

Week Pencils

Pencils in German

colors imprinted with

“Celebrate National

German Week”. Each

package contains 24.

$10.00

19

October 1—October 7

National German Week

Tattoos!

Two great tattoo designs including

“German is 4 U” and “Schwarz-Rot-

Gold—Celebrate!” in honor of National

German Week. Students will love

sporting German colors! Easily

removed with rubbing alcohol or

baby oil. Sold in packages of 30

(15 of each design).

$5.00

Pennsylvania: The Heritage of

German Immigration Poster

Display this colorful poster featuring

historical sites, inscriptions, artifacts,

and places showing the rich and

varied fabric of German immigration

to William Penn’s colony.

$9.00

One Germany—The Other

Side of the Wall DVD

It’s been twenty-five years since the

fall of the Berlin Wall. Why is it that

many Germans still think of themselves

as “Ossis” and Wessis?” Does a psychological wall still

exist between east and west? Stasi agents, political

prisoners, musicians, politicians, and comedians paint a

picture of the current state of affairs between the former

two Germanys. With original period footage and

extraordinary access, One Germany provides a sometimes

serious, sometimes hilarious look at the two Germanys.

Available in German or English.

$16.00

Declaration of

Independence Poster The Declaration of

Independence…in German!

This reproduction of the

Declaration of Independence is

from the July 9, 1776 edition of

the Pennsylvanischer Staatsbote, the country's first

newspaper to announce the adoption of the

Declaration of Independence. Also included is a short

explanation of the history of the document in English.

$10.00

The Germans: A Nation

of Immigrants Poster Contributions of German

immigrants to American life

and culture are featured on this

poster, based on the chapter

"The Germans" from John F.

Kennedy's book A Nation of

Immigrants. Highlight the

history and heritage of German

immigration!

$9.00

Order online at www.aatg.org

Sign in with your AATG Online username and password to get these

exclusive AATG member prices!

20

Investigating Klischee und Vorurteil

When asked about Austria, many Americans fall into one of two

categories: those who immediately mention “The Sound of

Music” and those whose knowledge of Austria is limited or

nonexistent—or clouded by confusion with Australia. Sandra

Dieckman, German teacher at Denton High School in Denton,

Texas, was perhaps in the first category. She participated in the

summer Austrian Seminar on Klischee und Vorurteil this summer,

along with 9 other AATG members. “Most seminar participants

had been to Germany multiple times,” Dieckman said. “But for

most of us, if we had been to Austria at all, it was as a tourist on a Sound of Music tour.”

Dirndl, Lederhose, Jodeln, Alpen… Seminar participants had the opportunity to

identify, explore, and analyze these and many other clichés and stereotypes

about Austria in Salzburg this past July 2014. At the end of two weeks spent

discussing, questioning, and absorbing information about Austrian culture and

language, participants came away with a deepened knowledge of the relatively

small but definitely complex country.

Diverse presentations focused on Austria’s art, film, history, music, and literature.

The participants were impressed by many of the presentations, such as

“Österreich auf der Leinwand,” “Typisch Österreich? Plurizentrik und Sprache in

Österreich,” and “Nicht nur Strauß, Mozart und Jodler: Musik aus Österreich.”

Although many presenters focused on culture, language itself, and the different

Austrian dialects and formulations, underpinned all the discussions.

Participants worked closely with classroom materials

created by the Austrian Bundesministerium für

Unterricht, Kunst und Kultur, such as Ins Kaffeehaus,

Österreich. Feste. Feiern, and Österreich im Film.

Dieckman recommends these to anyone looking for

materials on Austria. “I haven’t focused instruction on

Austria since I didn’t have much background, so these

materials make me more confident and comfortable

approaching Austria in class.”

In addition to the American participants, the seminar

included teachers from other countries, which enabled

everyone to share cultural characteristics and clichés

from their own home countries, while discussing and

dissecting Austrian stereotypes. “It was helpful to have

contact with people who have been working within the

Exploring the complexities of Austrian cuisine

21

AATG Summer Seminar 2014

Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) and see how they approach instruction,“ Dieckmann said. “It was

great to hear ideas that come from a completely different context.”

The American teachers also experienced Salzburg everyday life—enjoying typical Austrian dishes, visiting local attractions

like the Festung and the Salzburg Museum, attending concerts, and enjoying a stroll through the Altstadt and a hike to the

Fageralm.

Lorena Ellis, Queensboro Community College of CUNY, also

participated in the Austrian Seminar and valued greatly the

opportunity to interview Austrians to find out what is typically

Austrian, which led to thought-provoking dicussions. Ellis

enthusiastically reports, “Ich kann das Seminar uneingeschränkt

empfehlen!”

The seminar met its goal and gave participants deeper insights

into Austrian culture. “By the end of 2 weeks, I came to an

appreciate—and better understand—the differences in language,”

said Dieckmann. “After several years of teaching, I feel like I have

a whole new subject. I had never explored this country, but it

opened up a new door for me.”

The AATG Summer Seminar is supported by the Bundesministerium für Unterricht, Kunst und Kultur and the Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten.

The Austrian materials mentioned in the article are available in the AATG store.

Information on next year’s Austrian summer seminar will be available in January.

Was ist typisch österreichisch?

According to three Austrians interviewed by Lorena

Ellis:

Typische Eigenschaften des Landes und dessen

Leute sind Freundlichkeit, und Freiheit.

Essen nimmt auch eine Hauptrolle, wie man gut

verstehen kann, wenn man es schon probiert hat.

Das Lieblingsessen der Österreicher sind Knödel,

biologische Sachen, Schnitzel und Pommes.

Lieblingskosewörter der Österreicher sind

Schätzlein, Schatzi, Mausi, Süssi.

Und wenn man wirklich die Kultur von Salzburg

und Österreich verstehen möchte? Man sollte

unbedingt gegenseitigen Respekt zeigen, und mit

richtigen Schuhe auf die schönen Berge steigen.

22

Join Us for the Annual Meeting in San Antonio

First-Time AATG/ACTFL Attendee Grants Available

for K-12 Teachers and Graduate Student Teaching Assistants

Are you a K-12 teacher of German or a graduate student teaching assistant in your first

three years of teaching? Interested in attending your first AATG/ACTFL Convention?

Apply for funds to join us in San Antonio at the AATG Annual Meeting held in

conjunction with the ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo from

November 21‒23! AATG members may apply for a stipend to cover conference

registration and $275 in travel expenses. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to

learn about the newest developments in foreign language education.

Friday morning, November 21, you’ll meet with experienced German teaching professionals for an orientation.

Friday and Saturday choose from over 600 sessions for professional development. Sunday morning, you’ll exchange

impressions, information, and materials in a wrap up session. You must attend both the orientation and the wrap

up session.

This convention brings together thousands of teachers, administrators,

method instructors and students of foreign languages at all levels. Sessions

are offered on a wide variety of topics, including language instruction,

assessment, literature, curriculum development, culture, and advocacy for

German. Visit the exhibit hall to see the latest textbooks, materials, and

instructional technology. Come, network with colleagues, share ideas and

teaching tips in the Alamo City.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

be a member of AATG

be a first-time attendee at an AATG Annual Meeting / ACTFL Convention and World Languages Expo

be a new teacher of German (in your first three years of teaching)

be a K-12 teacher of German or graduate student teaching assistant.

To apply, complete the form at AATG Online and upload your current resume or curriculum vitae and a letter of

application with a description of the benefits of this professional development opportunity.

Apply by September 1, 2014.

23

Learn, Network, Share … at the AATG Annual Meeting

Don’t miss the AATG Annual Meeting, November 21-23 in conjunction with the

ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo!

With 70 AATG sessions, numerous roundtables, and electronic poster presentations among the over 600 sessions

at this year’s conference, you'll find many ways to enhance your German teaching skills. Select from sessions with

a focus on: STEM/MINT and German; genre-based teaching and lesson planning; best practices from AATG

Centers of Excellence; learning scenarios based on the refreshed World-Readiness Standards for Learning

Languages; German beyond the classroom, technology—including digital storytelling, multimedia content, and e-

learning strategies; Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland; German student competitions; Deutsche Sprach- und

Samstagsschulen; advocacy, Kinder– und Jugendliteratur; study abroad experiences; and much more!

Searchable Online Program Now Available! Plan your convention using the Online Convention Program here.

To find all AATG sessions, go to "Sponsor," select AATG , and click "Search."

Make your plans now! Register by Wednesday, October 29, 2014 to take advantage of the exclusive AATG

member advance registration rate. Registration and Housing are available at www.actfl.org/convention-expo.

24

Become an AAUSC Member!

The AAUSC supports professional development for

language program directors and coordinators

through networking, research, and advocacy.

Members receive the yearly volume on topics

related to language program coordination and

foreign language instruction. Additionally, the

AAUSC regularly sponsors paper sessions at leading

conferences in the profession, e.g., AATG/ACTFL,

MLA, and AAAL. Reduced membership rates exist

for graduate students.

For more information, visit www.aausc.org.

AAUSC Business Meeting and Reception

Please join us for the annual AAUSC business

meeting and reception (for current and future

AAUSC members representing all foreign

languages). This catered event is one of the best at

the convention!

Saturday, November 22, 4:15–6:30 pm, Lone Star

Ballroom — Salon B, Grand Hyatt.

AAUSC German Section Plans for San Antonio

Events at the 2014 AATG/ACTFL Convention

AAUSC invites all language coordinators and program directors from German

collegiate programs, as well as individuals interested in undergraduate German

program curricula, to attend special events during the AATG/ACTFL Convention.

AAUSC/AATG Session: Coordinating Diverse Teaching Staffs

in Collegiate Language Programs

This session pools ideas from German language program directors for coordinating diverse groups of

instructors as coordinators are faced with managing teachers with varying degrees of experience and

positions at the university. Topics include tips for streamlining communication, organizing coordination

meetings, training, and providing feedback. Presentations by Teresa Bell (Brigham Young University), Lara

Ducate (University of South Carolina), Claudia Kost (University of Alberta), and Susanne Rott (University of

Illinois at Chicago). Friday, November 21, 1:15-2:15 pm, Bonham A, Grand Hyatt.

German Section of AAUSC Meeting

The German section of the AAUSC will hold its annual meeting at ACTFL. At the meeting, coordinators and

program designers will have the opportunity to network, share best practices and learn about other

collegiate German programs. Saturday, November 22, 3:00–4:00 pm, Bonham A, Grand Hyatt.

American Association of University Supervisors,

Coordinators and Directors of Foreign Language Programs

25

Last Chance: Win 2 Free nights at any A&O Hotel and Hostel!

As a reader of the AATG Newsletter and valued AATG Member, A&O Hotels and Hostels would

like to offer you the chance to win one of three vouchers for 2 Free Nights in a single or double

room, breakfast included! Just be the first to answer these three questions:

1. In wievielen Ländern gibt es A&O Hostels?

2. Wie lange haben A&O Rezeptionen geöffnet?

3. Wo findet man das neuste A&O Hostel/Hotel?

If you are one of the first three people to answer all three correctly, you will be sent a voucher for

2 Free Nights at any A&O location*; All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet included! Send your answers

to Amy.Anderton@aohostels.com (A&O’s US representative). The first respondents to have all

three answers correct will win! Please INCLUDE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS in your email.

Additionally, your membership in AATG entitles you to these benefits at all A&O Hotels and

Hostels locations:

Free Late Check-Out (a €6,50 value—arrange upon check-in)

Free use of the Teachers’ Lounge, even when traveling without a group of students (free use of computer, internet, fax, printing, local phone calls, and non-alcoholic drinks)

Free use of pre-paid cell phone (German number; Germany rates apply; pre-loaded with all A&O Hotel Managers’ direct telephone numbers)

Free non-alcoholic drinks (“open bottle” soft drinks) throughout your stay

Free In-Room Wi-Fi

One free VIP Voucher upon check-in for one drink in our Sky or Lobby bar

24 hour Emergency concierge service, should you encounter any unfortunate events during your travels (contact any A&O Manager or A&O’s U.S. Representative for details; emails below).

Upon check-in, identify yourself as an AATG Member by showing your AATG Membership card.

To print your membership card, first sign in at www.aatg.org, then click on the Manage Profile

link within the My Profile section. Under the heading Information & Settings, you’ll find your

Membership Card. Just click and print.

*Voucher must be used at one location for consecutive nights only and cannot be used at two locations.

One room, for one or two persons, breakfast included for both guests. Voucher IS transferrable to non-AATG

members as a gift, but only AATG members are eligible for the above bulleted extras. Non-AATG members

holding the voucher are only entitled to the single or double room and breakfast for one or two persons.

#If you have not yet renewed your membership, please do so now! Only AATG members are eligible!

AATG Professional Partner

Booking: booking@aohostels.com

Web: www.aohostels.com

US Representative: Amy.Anderton@aohostels.com

26

Connecting and learning

Host an International High School Exchange Student

Sponsored by the US Department of State

The US Department of State invites you to make a difference by hosting an international high school exchange

student in your school or home starting this fall. Approximately 2,000 Department of State-sponsored exchange

students from over 50 countries, all of whom have undergone a competitive, merit-based selection process, will

spend the 2014-15 academic year in communities across the United States. These exchange students live with American families,

attend American high schools, and participate in American culture, leadership activities, and community service. Exchange students

can help internationalize classrooms and bring foreign affairs to life. Host families and host schools are needed from all over the

United States. Learn more or submit an interest form at hosting.state.gov, or email youthprograms@state.gov.

New Graduate-Level Online Course: Assessment in the German Classroom

Offered in Fall 2014; 3 credit hours (graduate level). Classes begin August 25.

The German Online Distance Education Network (GOLDEN), housed at the University of

Nebraska-Lincoln, offers graduate level courses specifically designed for the German language

teacher. GOLDEN courses are offered for students already enrolled in the GOLDEN MA program

as well as for non-degree seeking students who would like to take occasional courses based on

interest. The course description and more details can be found here.

New German Language Online Course: “Auf Deutsch”

A new University of Pennsylvania open learning course will offer elementary German online. The

free course will give students a way to learn the language while widening their circle of German

speaking friends via social media. Auf Deutsch: Communicating in German Across Cultures is a six-

week, non-credit course launching on October 6 as one of the first open online foreign language

classes on the Coursera platform. The course was developed by Edward Dixon, director of technology for the Penn Language

Center and a lecturer for German language and culture. Through recorded lectures, online exercises and short readings, students

will acquire basic language skills to create personal Web profiles in German that describe who they are, where they live and some

of their daily activities. Students will engage with German society and with the societies of their fellow students. The syllabus

consists of daily assignments on topics such as Familien und Beziehungen, Hobbys und Interessen, Ernährung und Wellness, and

Reisen und Urlaub.

Conference: Immersion 2014: Mainstreaming Access to Multilingual Communities

Salt Lake City, October 15-18, 2014

Mainstreaming Access to Multilingual Communities will bring together researchers, practitioners, administrators, and

policy makers interested in immersion education. In addition to plenaries, symposia and presentations, attendees will

be able to visit Utah dual language immersion schools and participate in professional workshops. Hosted by the

University of Utah’s Second Language Teaching and Research Center and the Utah State Office of Education. Find more

details and how to register here.

27

Promoting German

Mach mit! Photo Caption Contest: Day of German Unity

This year is the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the German Embassy

will be celebrating throughout October and November. The German Embassy will be

giving away five tickets this year to their Day of German Unity celebration at the German

Ambassador’s Residence. Each ticket will allow entry for two guests. You could be the

winner!

The Day of German Unity Contest is a caption contest. Starting on August 18, each week,

the German Embassy will post a photo of the Berlin Wall on Mondays — you supply the

caption! — and the Embassy will name a winner on Fridays. The photos will be posted

solely on the German Embassy’s social media channels, so be sure to follow them on

Twitter and like them on Instagram and Facebook for a chance to win. Learn more here.

Start School with Our New T-Shirt

and Schultüte Project

Start the new year off right and provide great visibility for your program!

Your students and colleagues will be impressed when you declare your SUPERPOWER "Ich spreche Deutsch" with our NEW royal blue 100% cotton t-shirt. Your students will want one, too!

Welcome students back to school with Die Schultüte - ein süßer Brauch: Bastelkit und Lehrplan. Students can create their very own Schultüte using the pre-printed, multicolored card stock that’s ready to assemble. The unit plan provides detailed lessons to help students explore this beloved tradition. You can order 20, or save by ordering 40 Schultüten.

To receive your 50% AATG member discount on these items, simply sign in to AATG’s website www.aatg.org with your AATG Online username and password. Order now!

28

studio [21] - Das Deutschbuch/ Grundstufe

A2: Teilband 1 (jetzt neu erschienen)

DVD: E-Book mit Audio, interaktiven Übungen, Videoclips

Konzept studio [21]

Deutsch als Fremdsprache für Erwachsene

studio [21] — die neue Ausgabe des weltweit erfolgreichen Lehrwerks studio d, inhaltlich auf neuestem Stand und

im modernen Design.

Das Lehrwerk richtet sich an Erwachsene ohne Vorkenntnisse, die im In- und Ausland Deutsch lernen. Es erscheint

in drei Gesamtbänden bzw. in sechs Teilbänden und führt zur Niveaustufe B1. Das umfassende digitale Lehr- und

Lernangebot von studio [21] garantiert einen flexiblen und abwechslungsreichen Unterricht.

Das Deutschbuch mit integriertem Übungsteil und eingelegtem E-Book steht im Zentrum des multimedialen

Lehrwerksverbundes.

studio [21] zeichnet sich aus durch

Themen und Texte, die motivieren,

aufgabenorientiertes Lernen und aktives Sprachhandeln,

umfangreiches Hör- und Aussprachetraining,

systematische Wortschatzvermittlung und Training von Wortverbindungen,

Deutschlernen für Alltag und Beruf,

aktuelle Landeskunde mit interkultureller Perspektive,

prüfungsbezogene Modelltests.

Bearbeitungszeit: Jeder Gesamtband lässt sich in 120-160 Unterrichtseinheiten bearbeiten.

Bestellen können Sie das Lehrbuch hier:

www.cornelsen.de/studio_21/reihe/1.c.3206055.de/titel

AATG Professional Partner

29

Deutsche Städte im Porträt — Jetzt neu: Hamburg und Düsseldorf

Wer Deutschland besucht, hat die Wahl zwischen zwei Meeren,

zahlreichen Gebirgen – und über 2.000 Städten. Das Format

"Stadtbilder" stellt einige der schönsten und interessantesten vor.

Ganz neu: die virtuellen Stadtrundgänge durch Hamburg und

Düsseldorf. Wir zeigen, dass die berühmte Hansestadt im Norden

Deutschlands mehr zu bieten hat als bloß ihren Hafen, und

erklären, warum Düsseldorf zu den deutschen Metropolen mit der

höchsten Lebensqualität zählt. Die "Stadtbilder" Hamburg und

Düsseldorf ergänzen eine erfolgreiche Serie, die auch Porträts der

Städte Leipzig, Heidelberg, Augsburg und Köln umfasst.

Nutzen Sie die vielfältigen Materialien in Ihrem Unterricht! Jedes "Stadtbild" enthält ein Video mit Manuskript und

Übungen, eine Bildergalerie sowie Texte und Glossare zu Sehenswürdigkeiten, berühmten Persönlichkeiten und zur

Stadtgeschichte. Außerdem kann man hören, was die Bewohner über ihre Stadt denken. Attraktive Landeskunde für

fortgeschrittene Lerner ab Niveaustufe B2 des Europäischen Referenzrahmens.

Hier beginnt die virtuelle Stadtführung: www.dw.de/stadtbilder

AATG Professional Partner

30

Colorado High Schools

gehen erste Schritte

Ein Fortbildungsangebot der ZfA

informiert über das Deutsche

Sprachdiplom

Lehrkräfte der Denver Metro Area

Region, Colorado Springs und Boulder

werden das Deutsche Sprachdiplom

(DSD I und II) als erfolgreiches

Prüfungsangebot der ZfA

kennenlernen und sich dann in

arbeitsteiligen Workshops mit den

verschiedenen Aufgabenformaten

und Anforderungen

auseinandersetzen. Die ganztägige

Schulung findet am Samstag, den 30.

August 2014, an der Cherry Creek

High School (Greenwood Village)

statt.

Anfragen beantwortet Irene Mrázek,

denver@auslandsschulwesen.de.

Irene Mrázek, BDU Denver

Da hat man (k)eine Stimme - oder doch?

Stimmbildung und Sprecherziehung standen im Mittelpunkt der

von der ZfA geförderten und von GASANC (German American

School Association of Northern California) an der German

American School of Palo Alto (GASPA) durchgeführten

Lehrerfortbildung. 16 Lehrkräfte lernten einen Tag lang unter

Anleitung der Schauspielerin und Sprecherzieherin Birgit

Oswald ihre Stimme besser kennen. Am Ende hatte jeder

verstanden, dass Stimme mehr ist als Töne, die aus dem Mund

entweichen.

Töne waren nur das Eine; richtiges Atmen, Stehen, Sitzen,

Vorlesen, Gespräche führen, Augenkontakt das Andere, an dem

gearbeitet wurde. Die Teilnehmenden fanden viel über Stimme

heraus und bildeten sich in der Kunst des Vortragens und

Referierens weiter. In Spielen, Übungen und Partnerübungen

wurden Worte in den Raum geworfen und wieder aufgefangen.

Wurde das Gesagte auch von anderen verstanden? War das

Vorlesen laut genug? Wie kam es beim Zuhörer an: Forderte es

zum Zuhören auf oder war es langweilig und die Zuhörenden

mit ihren Gedanken bereits ganz woanders? Und wie wurde

der einzelne Vortragende von der Gruppe wahrgenommen?

Stand da vorne wirklich jemand, der mit den Zuhörenden

Kontakt aufnehmen und etwas weitergeben wollte? Wen sahen

die Zuschauer: Jemanden, der von seiner Aufgabe überzeugt

war und in Gestik, Mimik und Präsenz weitergab, was er

anzubieten hatte?

In dieser Hinsicht überzeugend aufzutreten wurde mit

ungewohnten Bewegungen und Tonbildungen in der

Gesamtgruppe geübt. Die offene Atmosphäre ließ zu, dass sich

einzelne mit Vorlesen oder improvisierten Dialogen der Kritik

der Gruppe stellten, ihre Rückmeldungen aufnahmen und auch

gleich noch einmal die Situation mit den

Veränderungsvorschlägen vortrugen.

Insgesamt eine äußerst gelungene Fortbildung, bei der sich alle

Lehrkräfte unabhängig von Alter, Berufserfahrung und Schultyp

wohlfühlten und etwas für ihr Lehrerdasein mitnehmen

konnten.

—Alexander Wildgans, BDU San Francisco

Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)

31

Partnerschulen der ZfA im Porträt - Die DSS

Bloomfield, Inc. in Michigan

Zweifelsohne zählt die

Deutsche Sprachschule

Bloomfield, Inc. (DSB) zu den

Erfolgsmodellen der Deutschen

Sprachschullandschaft im

Mittleren Westen der USA.

1982 am Küchentisch

gegründet, gehört die DSS

Bloomfield mittlerweile zu den

größten Deutschen

Sprachschulen im Land. Ins

Leben gerufen mit dem Ziel, Deutschunterrichtsangebote für die Kinder

deutscher Expatriates zu unterbreiten, die im Anschluss an ihren USA-

Aufenthalt wieder in das deutsche Schulsystem eingegliedert werden

müssen, leistet die DSB heute weit mehr als das.

Aus den ursprünglich 35

Schülerinnen und

Schülern im Jahr 1999

sind mittlerweile fast 400

geworden. 400 Kinder

und Jugendliche, die von

einem vielfältigen

Angebot profitieren. Seit

2005 führt die Schule

einen Zweig „Deutsch als

Zweitsprache“, in dem

Lernende mit

heterogenen Sprachbiografien unterrichtet werden. Auch sonst tat und

tut sich viel. Seit einigen Jahren bietet die Schule Unterricht in

Französisch und Latein an. Die seit 2004 mit der ZfA bestehende

Zusammenarbeit ist die Basis für die jährliche Durchführung aller

Prüfungsangebote aus dem ZfA-Portfolio, angefangen von

Internationaler Vergleichsarbeit A1 bis zum DSD II. Höhepunkte wie

Schulfest, St. Martins-Spiel, Präsentationswettbewerb und Fasching

sorgen für Abwechslung im Schuljahr. Am 3. Oktober ist es wieder so

weit. Anlässlich des Schuljubiläums richtet die Deutsche Sprachschule

Bloomfield ein Schulfest aus. Ganz groß wird gefeiert. Mit „Artig“ ist

eine deutsche Band mit von der Partie, die sicher nicht nur die

Schülerschaft der Deutschen Sprachschule Bloomfield begeistern wird.

—Anka Fehling, BDU Chicago

Regionaltagung in

Portland, OR

Am 11. Oktober 2014 findet an der

German American School of Portland eine

ZfA-Regionalkonferenz der

Samstagsschulen USA Nordwest statt.

Neben Informationen zum DSD und zu

den Internationalen Vergleichsarbeiten

werden auch Best Practice Beispiele und

neue Unterrichtsmaterialien vorgestellt

sowie Möglichkeiten der regionalen

Zusammenarbeit diskutiert.

Rückfragen zur Veranstaltung

beantwortet BDU Natascha Milde unter

olympia@auslandsschuwesen.de.

—Natascha Milde, BDU Olympia

Anstehende Termine

Sie wollen Ihren Berater für Deutschunterricht (BDU) treffen? Hier finden Sie eine Übersicht über Veranstaltungen in den nächsten Wochen, auf denen BDUs der ZfA Angebote unterbreiten:

12./13. 09.2014 - Deutsches

Wochenende von KATG/KSWLA in

Emporia, KS

(BDU Irene Mrázek)

13./14.09.2014 - Fortbildung “Deutsch

betrifft (uns)” in Cincinnati, OH

(BDU Anka Fehling)

9.-11.10.2014 Bi-State Conference von

WAFLT/COFLT in Vancouver, WA

(BDU Natascha Milde)

17.-19.10.2014 - 5th Int. Conference on

Language Immersion Education in Salt

Lake City, UT

(BDU Alexander Wildgans)

Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)

Schulfest der DSB im Jahr 2013

DSD-Verleihung 2013

32

Sommer, Sonne, Sommercamp

Deutsch lernen im Sommer? Ach

nöööö…. Oder doch?

Ja, doch!

Ob „Abenteuer am Amazonas“ bei

der Colorado International School,

„Eine Reise ins Weltall“ bei der DSS

Cleveland, Ohio, „Ritter Rost“ am

Schulhaus Denver oder das

Naturwissenschaftscamp beim

GASA Samstagsschulverband in

Kalifornien, Sommercamps erfreuen

sich zunehmender Beliebtheit.

Das diesjährige Sommercamp des GASA Samstagsschulverbands hatte so

großen Zulauf wie nie zuvor – für 82 Kinder im Alter von 7 bis 16 Jahren

bot das Camp jede Menge Aktivitäten. Und alles auf Deutsch.

Die Colorado International School begab sich mit ihren vier- bis

sechsjährigen Jungen und Mädchen auf einen Reise an den Amazonas.

Vom Kofferpacken über die vorbereitende Erforschung der Dschungelwelt

im Denver Zoo und im Museum of Science and Nature bis hin zur

Geschmacks- und Geruchsprobe verschiedener Pflanzen im Amazonas-

Gebiet, entdeckt wurde mit allen Sinnen.

5- bis 12-jährige Kinder im

Sprachcamp des Schulhauses Denver

lernten anhand von Büchern,

Musicalszenen und Spielen den

Ritter Rost kennen. Sie bastelten

Collagen, erweiterten ihren

Wortschatz bei der Anfertigung von

Bestandteilen der Ritterrüstung und

beim Präsentieren ausgewählter

Szenen des Musicals.

Die Beraterinnen der ZfA wissen um die Bedeutung der Sprachcamps in

Hinblick auf Sprachbildung, Nachwuchsgewinnung und auch

Öffentlichkeitsarbeit. Sie unterstützten die Camps auch dieses Jahr und

berieten in der didaktischen Vorbereitung.

—Irene Mrázek, BDU Denver, Julia Ibold, BDU Los Angeles

Sommerseminar der CLTA

Berater für Deutschunterricht Julia

Ibold und Alexander Wildgans

überbrachten die Glückwünsche der

ZfA an die California Language

Teachers’ Association (http://clta.net/)

und das California World Language

Project (http://cwlp.stanford.edu/) zum

25-jährigen Jubiläum des schon

legendären Summer Seminar. Vorträge

und Seminare beleuchteten das

diesjährige Thema „Common Core and

World Language Standards: Engaging

21st Century Language Learners“ von

verschiedenen Seiten.

Im kommenden Jahr soll nach den

Planungen der beiden Organisatoren

Lorraine Dambruoso (CLTA) und Duarte

Silva (CWLP) mit Unterstützung der ZfA

auch wieder ein German Strand

angeboten werden. Also schon jetzt die

Zeit Mitte Juli 2015 für das Santa

Barbara Summer Seminar reservieren.

Teilnehmen können auch interessierte

Kolleginnen und Kollegen aus anderen

Bundesstaaten!

—Alexander Wildgans, BDU San

Francisco

Neues von der Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA)

Basteleinsatz im GASA-Sommercamp

Requisiten für Burgfräulein Bö am Schulhaus

Denver, Foto: Birgit Joel-Mayenfels

Lorraine Dambruoso, Tanya Zaccone und Duarte

Silva schneiden den Kuchen zum Jubiläum des

Sommerseminars an. Foto: Lauren Dyer

33

Liebe Deutschlehrer/innen, für diese Augustausgabe des AATG-Newsletters rasch ein paar aktuelle Informationen aus dem Goethe-Institut New York. Im Rahmen der Werbekampagne „Just Add German“ gibt es neue und spannende Projekte:

wir führen unsere Webinarserie zum Thema „Werbung für Deutschprogramme“ fort: über vier Webinare, die wir für Sie bereits geplant haben, erfahren Sie unten;

in Kooperation mit dem German American Partnership Program fördert Just Add German insgesamt neun US-Schüler/innen mit einem Stipendium für eine Schülerreise nach Deutschland. Noch im September werden die ersten Schüler in einem Blog von ihren Erlebnissen berichten und später als Botschafter für die deutsche Sprache in ihrer Region agieren;

die DaF-Wanderausstellung „Deutschland im Koffer“, die spielerisch und mit Witz über Deutschland informiert, wird ab Herbst 2014 durch die USA und Kanada touren und landesweit an zahlreichen Standtorten zu sehen sein;

auch haben wir die vielen, sehr positiven Rückmeldungen zur Werbekampagne auf der Just Add German-Website für Sie zusammengestellt.

Wir wünschen allen einen schönen Sommer und viel Spaß mit diesem Newsletter.

Mit besten Grüßen

Dr. Christoph Veldhues

Leiter Spracharbeit Nordamerika

Goethe-Institut New York

Schüler-Wettbewerbe

Auch in den letzten Monaten haben sich wieder zahlreich

Schüler an unseren Just Add German-Wettbewerben beteiligt.

Für unseren German Traces-Fotowettbewerb laden wir Schüler

dazu ein, sich auf die Suche nach deutschen Wurzeln in ihrer

Region zu begeben und uns die schönsten Schnappschüsse zu

schicken. Einsendeschluss ist der 30. September. Noch bis Ende

des Jahres können uns Schüler zudem in unserem Video

Testimonial Challenge per Videobotschaft berichten, warum sie

sich für Deutsch als Fremdsprache entschieden haben. Für die

besten Einsendungen sind tolle Preise zu gewinnen, darunter

iPads, Amazon-Gutscheine und vieles mehr.

Teacher Kits

Sie möchten ihr Deutschprogramm stärken und Schüler, Eltern

und die Schulverwaltung für Deutsch als Fremdsprache

überzeugen? Mit unseren Teacher Kits erhalten Sie eine Vielzahl

an Materialien, die Ihnen bei der Bewerbung Ihres

Deutschunterrichts helfen werden. Teacher Kits können ganz

einfach auf der Just Add German-Website bestellt werden. Wie

man das Paket am besten einsetzt und welche Tipps und Tricks

man bei der Werbung für Deutsch einsetzen kann, erfahren Sie

in unseren Webinars, die wir extra für Deutschlehrer anbieten.

http://www.justaddgerman.org/teacher-kits

34

Lehrer-Webinare

Ab September geht’s weiter los! Wie bewerbe ich mein Deutschprogramm?

Was muss ich tun, um Administratoren zu gewinnen? Wie arbeite ich

zusammen mit meinen Schülern, Ehemaligen und Eltern? Unterrichtsexperten

beantworten diese und weitere Fragen in unserer Webinarserie für

Deutschlehrer. Vier weitere Webinare stehen bereits im Kalender.

Working with School Administration on Preserving and

Growing your German Program: Perspectives, Challenges, Best Practices

Wednesday, September 24, 2014, 6–7 pm (ET)

Presenter: Roy Rabold, Principal, Whitewater High School, Atlanta, GA

This is the second webinar that offers a school administrator's perspective on the challenges and opportunities for preserving and growing a German program. The presenter will share arguments and strategies to convince the administration of the validity and viability of offering German as a FL and go over resources that are available for teachers to create a strong support for German within the school and the community. Followed by Q&A.

Capturing Their Attention: How to Write an Elevator Pitch?

Tuesday, October 7, 2014, 6–7 pm (ET)

Presenter: Megan Brenn-White, The Brenn-White Group

This highly interactive webinar will give participants the opportunity to practice crafting the perfect argument to take German. We’ll transform the pitch for different target audiences, focusing on the benefits to them as parents, administrators, or prospective students.

Working with Students, Parents and Alumni to Promote Your Program

Wednesday, October 29, 2014, 6–7 pm (ET)

Presenters: Megan Brenn-White, The Brenn-White Group and Olga Liamkina, Goethe-Institut New York

Your German classes have natural champions who may view helping you grow your German program as a privilege. Take away practical tips about how to engage your network of advocates in both formal and informal ways, including how to provide incentives and training.

Introducing Deutschberater: Key Players in Your Support Network

Wednesday, December 10, 2014, 6–7 pm (ET)

Presenter: Petra Reuter, Central Agency for Schools Abroad

Deutschberater (German Language Advisors) from the German Central Agency for Schools Abroad (ZfA) and the Goethe-Institut are teachers' key partners in matters of German program advocacy, teacher professional development, curriculum and instructional planning, and expanding teacher professional networks. The presenter, one of the nine Deutschberater in the US, will introduce the goals and tasks of the GLA network; outline strategies for cooperation between Deutchberater, teachers and schools administration; and share success stories of starting and growing German programs at schools. Followed by Q&A.

Wer eines der vergangenen Webinare verpasst hat, kann die Aufzeichnungen jederzeit über die Just Add German-Webseite

abrufen.

35

Lerntipps und Materialien

Fortbildung

Bewerbung um ein Stipendium des Goethe-Instituts

Die Goethe-Institute in den USA vergeben jedes Jahr Stipendien

zur Teilnahme an Sprachkursen oder Fortbildungsseminaren

(Landeskunde, DaF-Methodik/Didaktik) in Deutschland. Neu

sind nächstes Jahr ein 1-wöchiges Seminar über das kulturelle

Leben in Berlin und eine Praxis-bezogene Vorbereitung auf das

Berufsleben in Deutschland. Das komplette Angebot an Kurse

finden Sie hier.

Die Informationen zu Stipendien und Bewerbungsverfahren für 2015 finden Sie auf den Webseiten der Goethe-Institute in

den USA unter dem Menüpunkt „Deutsch lehren“.

Bewerbungsschluss für 2015 ist der 1. Oktober 2014.

PASCH-net

im Unterricht

Haben Sie Lust auf neue

Unterrichtsideen und

Projekte? Dann schauen Sie mal wieder bei

PASCH-net vorbei: Hier finden Sie thematisch

vielfältige und zeitlich flexibel einsetzbare

Unterrichtsentwürfe für alle Niveaustufen zum

Ausprobieren.

Lingo—Das Mit-Mach Web

Das Medienpaket „Lingo“ führt

Kinder zwischen 6 und 12 Jahren

spielerisch und interaktiv an den

Erwerb der deutschen Sprache

heran. Es umfasst ein Internetportal für Kinder und eine

Kinderzeitschrift, die vier Mal jährlich erscheint. Interaktive und

alltagsnahe Impulse, vielfältige landeskundliche Informationen

sowie ein zusätzliches ergänzendes Angebot für Lehrkräfte

runden das vom Auswärtigen Amt geförderten Bildungsprojekt

ab. Weitere Informationen.

Und letztendlich…

“Nur wer sich ändert bleibt sich treu!”

Unsere Hauptseite hat nun ein neues Gesicht! Schauen Sie sich die überschaubarere,

besser organisierte und attraktive Webseite des Goethe-Instituts mal an!

36

AATG Executive Council Mohamed Esa, President

McDaniel College, MD

Hal Boland, Vice-President

Heritage High School, VA

Mark Himmelein, Treasurer

University of Mount Union, OH

Eva Russo, Presiding Officer,

Assembly of Chapter Presidents

Washington University, MO

Keith Cothrun, Executive Director

Gisela Hoecherl-Alden, Northeast Region

Boston University

Deborah McGee Mifflin, Central Region

Johns Hopkins University

Doug Philipp, Northwest Region

Cheyenne Mountain High School, CO

Nella Spurlin, Southwest Region

Temple High School, TX

Wiebke Strehl, Southeast Region

University of North Carolina-Asheville

Bobbette Leu-Timmermann, Midwest Region

Assumption High School, WI

Robert Norton, Editor

The German Quarterly

Notre Dame University

Carlee Arnett, Editor

Die Unterrichtspraxis/Teaching German

University of California-Davis

Contact us

Keith Cothrun

Executive Director

keith@aatg.org

John Capasso

Membership Coordinator

john@aatg.org

Deborah DiAngelo

Finance Manager

deb@aatg.org

April Hemphill

Program Coordinator

april@aatg.org

Mercedes Pokorny

Communications Coordinator

mercedes@aatg.org

Pamela Edler

Program Associate

pamela@aatg.org

Barbara Hartman

Shipping Coordinator

barb@aatg.org

Have some good news to

share with your colleagues?

Have a teaching tip that will

benefit others? Has a recent

advocacy effort proven

successful?

We’re looking for ideas for

feature articles. Send your

comments and suggestions

to info@aatg.org.

Like us on

The American Association of Teachers of German supports the teaching of the German language and German-speaking cultures in elementary, secondary and post-secondary education in the United States. The AATG promotes the study of the German-speaking world in all its linguistic, cultural and ethnic diversity and endeavors to prepare students as transnational, transcultural learners and active, multilingual participants in a globalized world.

With 4,000 members, the AATG serves teachers of German at all levels of instruction and all those interested in the teaching of German. AATG is an allied organization of the Modern Language Association, a constituent member of the Joint National Committee for Languages/National Council for Languages and International Studies, the National Federation of Modern Language Teachers Associations, and an organizational member of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, the National Network for Early Language Learning, and the Internationaler Deutschlehrerverband.

The AATG Newsletter is a publication of the American Association of Teachers of German, Inc. Correspondence and news items should be sent to the editor at: AATG, 112 Haddontowne Court #104, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.